The innovation project “Metropol” – An automagic culture calendar
VårtOslo, in collaboration with Akers Avis Groruddalen and Selbyggen, has launched “Metropol” – a new nightlife guide providing an overview of restaurants and events in Oslo. The project is a strategic move to increase local newspapers’ commercial revenue and strengthen their position as a key player in local culture and nightlife information.
The launch is part of a larger innovation project that has received support from Medietilsynet. The goal is to create a robust digital platform that competes with global players like Facebook by offering a locally rooted alternative.
The solution – An automagic culture calendar
The innovation project is built on Innocode’s technology for automated event updating. The culture calendar utilizes machine learning and AI harvesting to collect information from various sources, such as Facebook, websites, and ticketing systems. This enables local newspapers to offer a comprehensive, up-to-date, and accessible event calendar without manual input.
The core of the solution includes:
- Automated collection of event information from various sources
- Use of AI for targeted recommendations, such as personalized “What’s happening this weekend?” notifications
- Multilingual support to lower participation barriers for immigrants and foreign workers
- Integration with local actors such as municipalities, cultural centers, and libraries for increased distribution
Implementation
The project is carried out in collaboration with 2–4 local newspapers, which apply for innovation funding together. The newspapers gain access to Innocode’s event calendar and participate in an iterative development process based on user needs and the requirements of local events. A project group with representatives from the newspapers and Innocode coordinates the development and ensures that the solution is tailored to the newspapers.
Expected benefits
- Increased user engagement through a relevant and up-to-date event calendar
- New revenue opportunities for local newspapers through advertising and partnerships
- Strengthened position as a local information hub for culture and volunteer activities
- Reduced operating costs through automated content collection
By combining AI-driven content collection with a local foundation, "Metropol" and Innocode’s culture calendar represent a significant step toward the future of digital local newspapers. The project provides local newspapers with a competitive advantage and ensures that local cultural dissemination remains in local hands.
